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Leelanau Living Realty Group

How to Market Your Home Like a Pro

Real Estate Tips Leelanau Living Realty Group October 20, 2025


Selling a home takes more than putting up a “For Sale” sign and waiting for buyers to come through the door. In a competitive market like Leland, presenting your property in the best possible light can make all the difference in how quickly it sells and for what price. Knowing how to market your home effectively requires a combination of preparation, presentation, and the right tools. By focusing on professional strategies, sellers can maximize their property’s visibility and attract serious buyers.

Preparing the Property for First Impressions

The way a home looks at first glance can shape how buyers feel about it from the start. Curb appeal sets the stage, which means that landscaping, exterior paint, and front entry details should be neat and inviting. Inside, decluttering and deep cleaning create a blank canvas that allows buyers to picture themselves in the space. Some sellers choose to invest in professional staging, which highlights a home’s strongest features and creates a flow that makes each room more appealing.

Capturing High-Quality Photography

Once a home is ready, professional photography becomes one of the most important tools in marketing. Most buyers begin their search online, so the images are often the first interaction they have with a property. Wide-angle shots, bright lighting, and well-composed photos make rooms appear larger and more welcoming. Outdoor photography is just as important, especially in scenic areas like Leland, where natural surroundings are often part of a property’s appeal. Investing in quality photography ensures that the home stands out on every listing site.

Leveraging Virtual Tours and Video

Modern buyers often expect more than static photos. Virtual tours and video walkthroughs allow potential buyers to explore a property from anywhere, giving them a sense of space and flow that still photos cannot provide. These tools are especially useful for out-of-town buyers who may be unable to visit in person immediately. A well-produced video or 3D tour can increase interest, making a home feel more accessible and sparking the desire to schedule a showing.

Writing an Engaging Property Description

The listing’s written description is another important element of marketing. Beyond listing the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, descriptions should capture what makes the home unique. Whether it is a spacious kitchen with room for entertaining or a deck with sweeping views, highlighting details that resonate with buyers can spark more interest. A well-written description is concise yet engaging, painting a clear picture of the lifestyle the home offers.

Maximizing Online Exposure

In today’s real estate landscape, online visibility is crucial. Listings should appear on major real estate platforms as well as local MLS databases. Social media also plays a large role in reaching buyers, especially when professional photos and videos are shared across multiple channels. Targeted digital advertising can expand reach even further, placing your home in front of specific audiences who are most likely to be interested. The broader and more strategic the exposure, the greater the chance of attracting motivated buyers.

Hosting Thoughtful Open Houses

Open houses remain a valuable part of home marketing when done correctly. Creating an inviting environment with natural light, comfortable temperatures, and small touches like refreshments helps buyers feel welcome. Signage and local promotion ensure strong attendance, while having marketing materials on hand gives potential buyers something to take with them. Well-planned open houses give buyers the chance to experience the property in person, creating an impression that lasts beyond the visit.

Highlighting the Community Appeal

When buyers consider a home, they also think about the daily lifestyle that comes with it. That is why marketing should also emphasize the community. In Leland, features such as access to Lake Michigan, charming local shops, and nearby outdoor recreation are all selling points that add value. Including these community highlights in marketing materials helps buyers understand what day-to-day life could look like in the area. It creates context and strengthens their connection to the property.

Working With Market Data

Strong marketing strategies are backed by data. Understanding what comparable homes have sold for and how quickly they moved helps sellers position their property appropriately. Pricing the home correctly from the start makes marketing more effective, as buyers are more likely to engage with listings that align with their expectations. Data-driven decisions ensure that marketing efforts are supported by facts, not just visuals.

Staying Consistent Across Channels

Consistency is key when marketing a home. All materials should present a cohesive message and aesthetic, whether online, in print, or in person. From photography to descriptions, the property should be represented in a way that reinforces its strongest qualities. This consistency builds credibility and reassures buyers that they are dealing with a well-presented, thoughtfully marketed property.

Bringing It All Together

Selling a home successfully requires more than one strong marketing tactic. Each piece, from preparation to photography to online promotion, works together to create a complete strategy. If you take the time to learn how to market your home effectively, the result is a smoother process and a stronger outcome. By combining professional tools with a clear plan, you give your home the best chance of standing out in the Leland market.

Work With Leelanau Living Realty Group for Expert Marketing

Effective home marketing requires skill, resources, and a deep understanding of what attracts buyers. Leelanau Living Realty Group brings all of these elements together, offering sellers in Leland a tailored approach that highlights each property’s unique qualities. From professional photography to targeted online campaigns, their team ensures that every home is presented in its best light. By blending local expertise with modern marketing strategies, they help sellers connect with the right buyers and achieve the results they are looking for. To learn more about their services, contact the Leelanau Living Realty Group.

*Header image courtesy of Unsplash



Robin Vilter

Robin Vilter

About the Author

I was raised in Cincinnati.  My dad was a professor at U.C. and so we were fortunate to have the entire summer to spend on North Lake Leelanau. Summers in Leelanau were such a gift. Starting at the age of twelve we were able to drive the boat into town or to the yacht club. My days were jam-packed. I would teach sailing school at the Leland Yacht Club in the mornings, then take a nap on the dock or the beach, shower, then drive into Leland where I had a job as a hostess. My sisters and I did this every summer and when we had a driver's license we had more options for employment.  I stashed away thousands of dollars every summer (literally in a shoe box). Yes, we worked our tails off, but it really did not seem like it since we were enjoying all the beauty of Leelanau at the same time.

I graduated from Miami of Ohio and after graduation I bought the Riverside Inn with my mother and my sister. I later sold my shares when I realized that being a single parent did not pair well with working late nights. After that I was fortunate enough to spend about a decade as a full time parent and I cherish every moment of those years with my (now adult) kiddos, Mackenzie and Sean.

I Earned My Real Estate License in 2016

By that point, I had bought and sold houses seven times over the course of twelve years. I had to be a real estate expert by then, right? The simple truth is I love real estate! What I love most about real estate is establishing great relationships. Each new client is a wonderful surprise. We live in such a small community, yet I get to meet new people all the time and usually, they turn out to be great friends. The other thing I love is the variety. Every house is different, every client is different, and it all comes with its own unique challenges.
 
As our team expanded, I knew we needed to rebrand.  I wanted our new name to symbolize how vibrant and yet comforting it is to live and vacation in the county. Leelanau Living is not just about who lives in Leelanau and how they live here -  it is also about all that is living in Leelanau including all of our natural resources.

Work With Us

Whether you are an experienced investor or a first-time buyer, Leelanau Living Realty Group can help you find the property of your dreams. Please feel free to browse our website or let us guide you every step of the way by calling or emailing us to set up an appointment today.